U.S. exports are flashing warning signs as outbound shipments fall to their lowest level in three years. According to officials at the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest seaport, exports have dropped by 8%, with trade to China experiencing one of the sharpest declines.


8% Drop in US Exports Marks Lowest Level in 3 Years 

US President Donald Trump has strongly urged the United Kingdom not to “give away” Diego Garcia, as London moves forward with plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the strategically vital military base.
Trump said the land “should not be taken away from the UK,” warning that such a move would be a “blight on our Great Ally.” His remarks come amid growing debate over the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory and the long-term status of one of the most important US-UK military facilities in the Indian Ocean.


US vs UK: Trump Warns UK Over Diego Garcia Deal | Chagos Islands Row Sparks US-UK Tensions

A large fire was reported near Iran’s capital Tehran, with visuals circulating online showing thick smoke rising from the area. Iranian authorities have not yet released detailed information on the cause or extent of the incident. The development comes amid heightened regional tensions, though no official link to security or military activity has been confirmed.

Breaking: Massive Fire Breaks Out Near Iran’s Capital Tehran | WION

Multiple media reports citing sources familiar with White House deliberations suggest the risk of a potential US military operation against Iran is increasing if nuclear diplomacy collapses. The reports come amid a significant US military buildup in the region and continued negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. While no official announcement has been made, the developments have intensified global attention on the possibility of escalation.


Breaking: Reports Citing White House Sources Say US–Iran War Imminent | WION

#Gravitas America is moving more of its war machines into West Asia. At least 50 advanced fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s and F-16s, are being mobilised while Iran is set to carry out military drills with Russia and China. Amidst these tensions, Iranian officials are offering U.S. companies access to vast energy and mineral reserves and pitching it as a 'trillion-dollar opportunity' for Washington. Will economic incentives help defuse a confrontation? Or is the region getting closer to an all-out war?


Iran Tempts Trump with Trillion-Dollar N-Deal as US Rushes More Firepower to West Asia | Gravitas

The United States has presented fresh seismic data alleging that China conducted a secret low-yield nuclear test near its Lop Nor site in 2020. Beijing has strongly denied the claims, insisting it remains committed to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban framework. With arms control talks stalled and China rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal-- from submarines to warhead production -- fears of a new nuclear arms race are growing. Is this a strategic shift or political pressure ahead of new nuclear negotiations? We break down the allegations, China’s response, and what it means for global security.


US-China Tensions: US Alleges China Conducted Secret Low-Yield Nuclear Test in 2020 | Gravitas

US President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are showing declines across multiple fronts, according to recent polling data. The numbers indicate shifting public sentiment on major policy areas, adding fresh political pressure as debates intensify over the administration’s performance.


US Politics: US President Donald Trump's Approval Ratings Are Going Down on All Fronts | WION

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran has not yet acknowledged key American “red lines” following the latest round of nuclear talks in Geneva, underscoring persistent gaps in negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Officials report the United States has deployed more than 50 fighter jets, including F-22s, F-35s and F-16s, to the Middle East in a show of force alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts. Tensions remain as Washington seeks to prevent Iran from advancing towards a nuclear weapon while maintaining diplomatic engagement.


US-Iran Tensions: US VP Vance Says Iran Hasn’t Met Red Lines As US Moves 50+ Fighter Jets Near Iran

Iran said it is not seeking nuclear weapons even as it partially closed the Strait of Hormuz during talks with the United States. The development underscores rising tensions around the strategic waterway amid ongoing diplomatic engagement.


US-Iran Tensions: Iran Partially Closes Strait of Hormuz During Talks with US | WION

The U.S. Department of Justice is facing criticism over transparency surrounding the Epstein files. A YouGov poll indicates that more than half of Americans suspect a cover-up in the Epstein probe, with some survey participants accusing President Donald Trump of involvement in a cover-up. The findings have intensified political and public debate over accountability and disclosure.


Epstein Files: DoJ Faces Backlash Over Epstein Files As Poll Shows Cover-Up Suspicions | WION

Trash is piling up across Havana as fuel supplies run dry, disrupting waste collection services. Cuban authorities said the oil blockade is also harming anti-drug trafficking efforts. The United Nations said it is very concerned and is closely following the situation.


Havana Fuel Crisis: Trash Piles Up In Havana As Fuel Shortage Deepens, UN Voices Concern | WION 

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran and the United States agreed on general guiding principles during the second round of nuclear talks in Geneva, though no date has been set for a third round of negotiations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran has not yet met Washington’s red lines, underscoring continuing differences over the nuclear dispute.


US-Iran Tensions: Iran Says ‘Guiding Principles’ Agreed With US, But No Date Set For Next Talks

Cuba said it remains an ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking, but warned that the oil blockade is damaging its anti-drug operations. Cuban officials argued that energy constraints are affecting enforcement capacity and cooperation linked to counter-narcotics efforts.


Cuba Calls Itself US Ally In Drug War, Says Oil Blockade Is Hurting Efforts | WION

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran has not yet acknowledged key American “red lines” following the latest round of nuclear talks in Geneva, underscoring persistent gaps in negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Officials report the United States has deployed more than 50 fighter jets, including F-22s, F-35s and F-16s, to the Middle East in a show of force alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts. Tensions remain as Washington seeks to prevent Iran from advancing towards a nuclear weapon while maintaining diplomatic engagement.

Speculation over the 2028 U.S. presidential race intensified after remarks at the Munich Security Conference fueled fresh political chatter. U.S. Vice President JD Vance dismissed suggestions of any conflict with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, insisting there is “no conflict” between them.
The buzz comes as President Donald Trump praised both Vance and Rubio as “fantastic,” while noting he still has three years remaining in his current term.

US Politics: Who Will Replace Trump As US President In 2028? 

The United States is reportedly planning to deploy advanced high-tech missile systems in the Philippines, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics. The move comes as tensions escalate in the South China Sea, with growing concerns over China’s expanding military footprint.

Defense cooperation between Washington and Manila is deepening under mutual security commitments, signaling a stronger strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.

US-Philippines Defence Ties: More Missile Launchers By US For Philippines? 

Ali Khamenei has issued a sharp warning to the United States, declaring that even the “world’s most powerful military” can be dealt a crushing blow. His remarks come as renewed talks between Tehran and Washington begin in Geneva.
Khamenei said the US would “not succeed” in destroying the Islamic Republic and warned that American warships deployed in the Gulf could be sunk. The comments are being seen as a direct message to Donald Trump amid fragile diplomatic engagement.
As tensions simmer in the Gulf region, the rhetoric underscores the deep mistrust that continues to shape US-Iran relations — even as negotiations resume.
What does this mean for nuclear talks? Could military escalation derail diplomacy? Watch the full report for key takeaways and geopolitical analysis.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump Issues Final Warning To Tehran, Geneva Talks Under Shadow Of War

An 18-year-old man ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday (February 17) before police arrested him without incident, said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
Photos released by the U.S. Capitol Police show the unidentified man being arrested by officers and the shotgun he used.  The motive of the man, who police said was wearing a tactical vest and tactical gloves, was not immediately known. He also had a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask in his vehicle, police said.
Sullivan said the man arrived in a white Mercedes SUV just after noon and parked near the Capitol, before getting out and running toward the building that houses the U.S. Congress.

US Capitol Security Breach: Man Arrested After Running Toward US Capitol With Loaded Shotgun 

The United States is reportedly planning to deploy advanced high-tech missile systems in the Philippines, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics. The move comes as tensions escalate in the South China Sea, with growing concerns over China’s expanding military footprint.

Defense cooperation between Washington and Manila is deepening under mutual security commitments, signaling a stronger strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.


US Plans High-Tech Missile Deployment In Philippines Amid Rising China Tensions

The Epstein saga has reignited political tensions as Hillary Clinton publicly defended former President Bill Clinton while demanding the full release of all files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton lashed out at the Trump administration, accusing it of withholding critical documents and alleging a “cover-up” in the handling of the case. Millions of pages linked to Epstein have recently resurfaced in public discourse, renewing scrutiny of high-profile figures once associated with the convicted sex offender.

Epstein Files: Hillary Clinton Demands Full Epstein Files, Accuses Trump Cover-Up 

Veteran civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died after a prolonged illness, marking the end of a defining chapter in modern American activism. A longtime ally of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson rose to national prominence as a powerful advocate for racial justice, economic equality, and voting rights. Jackson made history as a two-time presidential candidate, breaking barriers and expanding political representation for Black Americans.


Jesse Jackson Passes Away: Veteran US Civil Rights Leader Dies at 84 After Prolonged Illness

The second round of Iran–US nuclear talks has concluded with Tehran claiming a “broad agreement” on guiding principles for a potential deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as constructive but cautioned that progress does not mean a final agreement is imminent. No date has been set for a third round of negotiations.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran has yet to meet Washington’s “red lines,” signaling that major gaps remain.

Iran-US Nuclear Talks: US Aircraft Carrier Leaves Caribbean, Heads To West Asia

Iran-US Nuclear Talks: Iran Says 'Guiding Principles' Agreed, Vance Says 'Red Lines Not Met'

#Gravitas The United States and China are rapidly advancing toward what could become the world’s first high-tech drone confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. has strategically deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones across key locations near China’s periphery, strengthening surveillance and strike capabilities. Meanwhile, images circulating online appear to show a stealth drone aboard China’s new amphibious assault ship — signaling Beijing’s growing unmanned warfare ambitions.

World's Next Drone War Over Indo-Pacific? US-China High-Tech Race

Macron's 4th India Visit: PM Modi, French President Inaugurate Helicopter Assembly Line
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurate the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai.

Macron's 4th India Visit: PM Modi, French President Inaugurate Helicopter Assembly Line

Iran’s Khamenei Warns US Warship Can Be Sunk | Says America ‘Will Not Succeed’

United States civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died “peacefully” at aged 84, according to his family.

“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shake a global movement for freedom and dignity,” his family said in a statement.

US Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies After Long Illness

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Monday (February 16, 2026) began a series of military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported, on the eve of talks with the United States.


War Games in Strait of Hormuz To 'Prepare Guards For Military Threats'

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s address at the Munich Security Conference has ignited a sharp debate across Europe and beyond. Speaking to key European allies, Rubio reflected on Western power, global leadership, and historical influence, remarks that critics say appeared to laud elements of old Western imperialism.


US Romanticising Coloniser Past? Rubio Lauds Old Western Imperialism |

According to The New York Times, three US military planes have landed in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, marking a new deployment amid ongoing security challenges in the region.
The arrival of US troops highlights ongoing efforts to support Nigerian forces in counterterrorism operations, particularly against extremist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as international cooperation continues to tackle security threats.

US Troops, C-17 Cargo Planes Land in Nigeria Amid Mounting Pressure From Trump

Kashmir apple growers are worried that the recent India-US trade deal and proposed import duty waivers on American apples could hurt domestic producers. Farmers are seeking clarity as experts warn that cheaper imports may impact local orchards and the region’s apple industry.


India-US Trade Deal Worries Apple Growers, Farmers Seek Clarity Over Import Duty 

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8% Drop in US Exports Marks Lowest Level in 3 Years

US vs UK: Trump Warns UK Over Diego Garcia Deal | Chagos Islands Row Sparks US-UK Tensions

Breaking: Massive Fire Breaks Out Near Iran’s Capital Tehran | WION

Breaking: Reports Citing White House Sources Say US–Iran War Imminent | WION

Iran Tempts Trump with Trillion-Dollar N-Deal as US Rushes More Firepower to West Asia | Gravitas

US-China Tensions: US Alleges China Conducted Secret Low-Yield Nuclear Test in 2020 | Gravitas

US Politics: US President Donald Trump's Approval Ratings Are Going Down on All Fronts | WION

US-Iran Tensions: US VP Vance Says Iran Hasn’t Met Red Lines As US Moves 50+ Fighter Jets Near Iran

US-Iran Tensions: Iran Partially Closes Strait of Hormuz During Talks with US | WION

Epstein Files: DoJ Faces Backlash Over Epstein Files As Poll Shows Cover-Up Suspicions | WION

Havana Fuel Crisis: Trash Piles Up In Havana As Fuel Shortage Deepens, UN Voices Concern | WION

US-Iran Tensions: Iran Says ‘Guiding Principles’ Agreed With US, But No Date Set For Next Talks

Cuba Calls Itself US Ally In Drug War, Says Oil Blockade Is Hurting Efforts | WION

US-Iran Tensions: US VP Vance Says Iran Hasn’t Met Red Lines As US Moves 50+ Fighter Jets Near Iran

US Politics: Who Will Replace Trump As US President In 2028?

US-Philippines Defence Ties: More Missile Launchers By US For Philippines?

US-Iran Tensions: Trump Issues Final Warning To Tehran, Geneva Talks Under Shadow Of War

US Capitol Security Breach: Man Arrested After Running Toward US Capitol With Loaded Shotgun

US Plans High-Tech Missile Deployment In Philippines Amid Rising China Tensions

Epstein Files: Hillary Clinton Demands Full Epstein Files, Accuses Trump Cover-Up

Jesse Jackson Passes Away: Veteran US Civil Rights Leader Dies at 84 After Prolonged Illness

Iran-US Nuclear Talks: US Aircraft Carrier Leaves Caribbean, Heads To West Asia

Iran-US Nuclear Talks: Iran Says 'Guiding Principles' Agreed, Vance Says 'Red Lines Not Met'

World's Next Drone War Over Indo-Pacific? US-China High-Tech Race

Macron's 4th India Visit: PM Modi, French President Inaugurate Helicopter Assembly Line

Iran’s Khamenei Warns US Warship Can Be Sunk | Says America ‘Will Not Succeed’